Most people wear sunglasses because they are fashionable and provide comfort to the eyes. But how many people are aware that one of the major benefits they can get from wearing sunglasses is protection against UV rays? Note that there are also sunglasses that do not have anti-UV coatings and so, they provide no protection.
Here are a few other benefits of wearing sunglasses.
Protection against photokeratitis
Spending a lot of time in the sun can lead to sunburn. That is one of the reasons why people wear a sunblock. But what about your eyes? The eyes are a very delicate part of the body. Spending time under the sun without sunglasses can cause severe damage to the eyes. Just like sunblock protects your skin from the sun, sunglasses with an anti-UV coating protect the eyes from the sun. Without them, painful eye conditions like photokeratitis can easily sneak up on you.
Also note that lighter the color of the eyes, more the need for sunglasses. Light colored irises are more susceptible to damage and people with such eyes can really benefit from wearing sunglasses. This is true in case of most Caucasians, who have light colored irises.
Protection against Skin Cancer
There is a sure connection between spending time under the sun and skin cancer. More the time you spend under the sun, greater the chances that you may develop skin cancer. Did you know that 10% of skin cancers develop on the eyelids? Scary, is it not? The skin around the eyes is very delicate, and so it is very vulnerable to damage. Sunglasses provide the necessary protection.
Decrease in the risk of developing age-related eye problems
As people become older, their chances of developing eye diseases like cataract increases. Did you know that too much sun exposure can also increase the chances of developing age related eye conditions like macular degeneration and cataracts? In macular degeneration, the visual field becomes blurred. In a cataract, the lens becomes cloudy and the individual eventually loses vision. Wearing sunglasses will decrease the chances of such conditions developing.
Protection against ptergyium
Sunglasses also protect the eyes against ptergyium, better known as surfers’ eye. It mainly affects individuals who spend a lot of time on water, for instance surfers. Ptergyium is a cloudy, non cancerous growth which starts from the sclera (white portion of the eyes) and eventually engulfs the entire cornea, unless it is removed surgically. You might feel as if there is a foreign body in your eye. There will be tearing, itching, and even bleeding, leading to a lot of inconvenience.
Protection from crow’s feet and wrinkles
Exposure to the sun can cause crow’s feet and wrinkles to develop around the eyes. Sunglasses provide protection and reduce the incidence of these signs of ageing.
Reduce eye strain and headaches
Too much exposure to sunlight can lead to stress on the eyes, migraines, and headaches. This may be due to bright sunlight or corneal damage from UV light. Wearing sunglasses is one of the best ways to reduce headaches when under sunlight. In most cases, it can be totally prevented.
Reduce photo-sensitivity from medication and photophobia
Some medications induce an abnormal sensitivity to sunlight as a side effect. Some anti-inflammatory and antibiotic drugs are known to cause this. In this case, even normal light can become overbearing and can cause irritation, pain, and headache. When you wear sunglasses, these side effects are reduced as the amount of sunlight that enters the eyes decreases.
Photophobia is also an acute sensitivity to light, just like photo-sensitivity. But the difference is the former is not caused by mediation. It may be caused by illness. Patients who suffer from photophobia may experience slight discomfort or severe pain. Sunglasses can ease the discomfort and the pain from photophobia.
Effects of Jet Lag Reduce
When you are flying across time zones, your body’s circadian rhythm will be affected. This is a biological event. By wearing sunglasses, you can trick the brain and reduce the effects of jet lag.
Keeps the Eyes Wet
Sunlight can accelerate tear evaporation. Sunglasses, by blocking light and heat, bring down the amount of tears that evaporate and keep the eyes wet. Tears help the eyes wash away foreign bodies, kill harmful bacteria, and increase comfort by keeping the eyes hydrated.
Sunglasses Can Help You Personalize Your Look
Any outfit will instantly become more fashionable when you wear sunglasses. You can go for a bold or a subtle look and your sunglasses will make it more pronounced. You might have seen celebrities wearing sunglasses and being admired for their chic look. Now even you can get the same look by wearing sunglasses.
When you buy a pair of sunglasses, always ask if they provide protection against UV rays. It is better to invest in a quality pair than buy a cheap one and regret it later.
